Koralmbahn: Boost for the economy and quality of life in South Austria!

Koralmbahn: Boost for the economy and quality of life in South Austria!

On September 30, 2025, the time has finally come: the Koralmbahn, Austria's pioneering infrastructure project, will be fully operational. This connection system between Graz and Klagenfurt not only promises a significant improvement in mobility, but also new economic prospects for the entire south of the country. Josef Herk, President of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, recognizes the historical dimension of this project and emphasizes the need for a common regional policy agenda in order to develop this economic area into a model location in Europe. Recommendations for cooperation between Carinthia and Styria are also supported by Jürgen Mandl, President of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce, who describes the new economic agglomeration as unique.

The Koralm Railway is particularly important, as it is also internationally visible as part of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor. According to a current study, this rail system will create a new urban agglomeration of Graz-Klagenfurt, which is likely to attract a steadily growing population in the coming years. The agglomeration is expected to be the second largest in Austria after Vienna.

Economic impulses for the region

The accessibility of the new train stations will be significantly improved: the Koralmbahn will allow commuters to get from neighboring communities to the central stations in just 40 minutes. The fact that the two districts of Wolfsberg and Deutschlandsberg will be at the center of this new agglomeration from 2026 represents an enormous economic boost. With around 1.1 million inhabitants and around 500,000 employees, including over 130,000 in the manufacturing sector, the enormous potential of this connection is already evident. Particularly exciting are the forecasts that commuter flows could increase by around 35%, which should counteract negative demographic developments in the southern area of ​​Austria.

The Carinthian State Economic Councilor, Sebastian Schuschnig, underlines the importance of the Koralmbahn as a central stimulus for economic development, public transport and the tourism sector. A considerable technical effort was also necessary to implement the project. Over 50 kilometers of tunnels and more than 100 bridges are part of the rail project, which will demonstrate the advantages of the most climate-friendly transport route.

Climate-friendly transport and international connections

The Koralmbahn is not only a flagship for fast connections, but also contributes to the mobility transition. It connects Graz and Klagenfurt in just 45 minutes and therefore offers an attractive and comfortable way to get from A to B in the south more quickly. This new infrastructure will also include additional connections to the Czech Republic, including an early train from Vienna to Prague.

The economic opportunities arising from the project are significant. Leading Austrian companies such as the Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, the PORR Group and Siemens Mobility have contributed to the realization of the Koralmbahn, which further increases the competitiveness of rail freight transport and thus contributes to the internationalization of domestic companies. Those responsible want to sustainably promote the economic attractiveness of the region through joint marketing strategies and coordinated, interregional planning.

Overall, it can be summarized that the Koralmbahn not only represents a significant improvement for local transport, but also plays a decisive role in the positive economic development of the entire southern region of Austria. Exciting times lie ahead – for the regions, the companies and the people who live here.